BMW 3 Series Compact

The BMW 3 Series Compact was a compact executive car, basically a truncated liftback version of the BMW 3 Series, produced by the German automaker BMW between 1993 and 2004. Initially based on the BMW E36 platform, it switched to the BMW E46 platform in 2001. Production of the 3 Series Compact ceased in 2004 when it was succeeded by the 1 Series.

The car was available in 316i, 316g (compressed natural gas), 318ti, 318tds (diesel) and later as a 323ti. The title 'Ti' (Turismo Internazionale), was unique to the Compact range and was used on the more powerful versions, harking back to the BMW New Class 'Ti' models of the sixties.

The 3 Series GT, based on the later, newest 3 Series, is not a successor to the 3 Series Compact, apart from their hatchback body style.

E36/5 (1993-2000)

From the front bumper to the A pillar, the 3 Series Compact is identical to the BMW 3 Series (E36) saloon. As with the entire E36 range, the E36/5 also shares an identical wheelbase. From the A pillar rearwards, the E36/5 is unique from others in the E36 range.